Thursday, January 07, 2016

A 'personal relativism'.

More dialogue: “Living the Truth in Love” author to speak at pro-gay conference…

One of the authors included in “Living the Truth in Love: Pastoral Approaches to Same-Sex Attraction,” published by Ignatius Press, will speak at a pro-gay Christian forum; the topic of her speech: “Changing our Church Communities.” The event is the annual Gay Christian Network Conference: which includes a wide variety of workshops that explore the LGBT and Christian landscapes especially geared for those who struggle to reconcile their Christian faith with their sexual orientation. The stated mission of the Gay Christian Network (GCN) “…is transforming attitudes toward LGBT people across denominations and cultures.” Part of their “Statement of Faith” proclaims that: “We believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians are full participants in God’s kingdom…” This decidedly includes those who are also sexually active. In fact, membership in the GCN is split into two factions: Side A (supporting same-sex marriage and relationships) and Side B (promoting celibacy for Christians with same-sex attractions). Although this is a crucial difference, the GCN decided collectively not to dispute the issue as it remains a point of “personal conviction;” the idea of “personal conviction” is an endlessly repeated term used throughout GCN literature and within the writings and correspondences of its various members; it’s a sort of extreme form of personal-relativism. - Sciambra

Joe is right. Personal conviction can indeed be a sort of extreme personal relativism. The idea swirls in and through the conversations connected to the Synod on the Family when speaking of an "internal forum". It is something to be aware of in pastoral care.

Conspiracy theorist ears might perk up when they read the title of the Catholic speaker's address: “Changing our Church Communities.” As well as the name taken by the organization: "Gay Christian Network". What is concerning about that?

Agents for change have been active for decades to change, incrementally, Catholic teaching. A dated, albeit relevant study and book was published decades earlier, titled: "The Homosexual Network." Of course it is not the same sort of 'network', however there still appears to be a strong desire to change the Church. Some call it 'queering the Church'. Two sides of the same coin. Just saying.

I like to point out that Catholic teaching and the question of homosexuality - all of that is settled in my mind. I am convinced of the immorality of homosexual acts and I accept Catholic teaching on the subject with great freedom of spirit. My conscience is formed accordingly and I couldn't consent to any other teaching.

If others choose to reject Catholic teaching on sexual ethics and marriage, giving themselves in marriage and choosing to engage in homosexual acts, that is their choice. Civil law protects their right to do so - Catholic teaching condemns it - and that can't change.

They know what I think about it. It's settled. Joe Sciambra's message is important for those who think otherwise. Again - they can reject it - but it's the truth, and the truth can't change.

Veritatis Splendor

About Me

... My idea of what I am is falsified by my preoccupation about what I do. And my illusions about myself are bred by contagion from the illusions of other men. We all seek to emulate one anothers imagined greatness....If I do not know who I am, it is because I think I am the sort of person everyone around me wants me to be. I have asked myself whether I wanted to become what everybody else seems to want to become... only to realize that I do not admire what everyone else seems to admire. I have only thus begun to live after all... But it is very late. - Adapted from a quote by Thomas Merton

Holy Face of Jesus

Show us your face and we shall be saved. "Each soul is the object of My special love. That is why I am so grateful to those who are resourceful and bringing back sinners to Me. Keep this in mind then. I gave My life for them in the most atrocious torture, for these poor beloved ones. A humble repentance, and they are already on My heart. So speak gently to them. Speak with tenderness. A brusque remark could drive them farther away." - He and I

Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.